Abbott Orders Texas Flags at Half-Staff in Memory of Charlie Kirk

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered the U.S. and Texas flags at all state government buildings to be lowered to half-staff in honor of Charlie Kirk.

Abbott's order follows a proclamation by President Donald Trump. In accordance to Trump's statement, flags in Texas will remain at half-staff until sunset on Sunday, Sept. 14.

Kirk was a conservative activist who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University Wednesday afternoon. Abbott responded to Kirk's death, saying he and his wife, Cecilia, "are heartbroken."

"Charlie’s voice was a beacon for millions of young Americans searching for truth, courage, and conviction," Abbott's social media post read in part. "This senseless act of violence has no place in America."

Why are US flags at half-staff in Texas today? Remembering 9/11 on Patriot Day

The U.S. flags were already set to be lowered Thursday for the National Day of Service and Remembrance, also known as Patriot Day. Sept. 11 marks 24 years since the 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and United Flight 93 in Pennsylvania.